FOR many centuries, the French and German peoples, with others, were at each other’s throats. Then came two wars on an industrial scale in the first part of the 20th century. But not since, for 70 years. That is an incredible achievement, hardly managed anywhere else worldwide. For more thanover 40 years, Britain has helped with that, too.

The forerunners of the EU guessed that close linking of economies might prevent more wars – and it has worked, now including 28 countries. But now we have lots of weaponry amongst us and disagreements building up. Isn’t it better to go on cooperating, using the available institutions, rather than acting separately – or even worse, risk resorting to arms? Also, air pollution, diseases, crime – and climate change – don’t stop at national borders, so we have to help each other on those and many other things.

Immigration? Yes, we need to cooperate there too. That’s very hard indeed, but out of some 60 million displaced worldwide, Europe only gets a small proportion, and we just have to handle together a pressure that cannot be stopped. If we allowed incomers to start working quickly: producing, building, using their skills, learning the language, then with their taxes they would contribute much more than they cost. Not forgetting too that each is a human being, and it could have happened to us.

Theodore Bacon, New Earswick, York

DURING Mr Cameron’s ‘Remain’ campaign he often uses the term that The UK would be a lot better off in a reformed EU. What is a reformed EU? Some months ago Mr Cameron went cap in hand to his masters in Brussels to negotiate better terms for UK’s membership of the EU, he came away with nothing. At the same time leaders of other members of the EU said that any deals that Mr Cameron did obtain could be rescinded at any time.

In Mr Cameron’s 2015 pre-election campaign he promised among other things to keep down immigration and reduce the number of members in The House of Lords. He failed on both counts. Immigration figures have rocketed out of control and he has increased the number of members in The House of Lords. How can we trust a man who has not kept any of his election promises and is now told by The EU what he can and cannot do?

A.P.Cox Heath Close, Holgate, York

IT’S TIME to confront dementia.

Dementia now affects 850,000 people in the UK alone – and that number is set to rise.

It’s no secret that it’s our society’s most-feared health condition and, with an ageing population and no cure, dementia will undoubtedly touch all of our lives at some point. I have witnessed how devastating dementia can be and am acutely aware that something needs to be done to fight the condition.

It’s more important than ever that we all join the fight against dementia. Talking about the condition is the first step – but there is so much more that can be done.

We all need to gain a better understanding of the condition and be aware of the support available – because life doesn’t have to end when dementia begins.

Alzheimer’s Society is doing everything it can to keep people connected to their lives for longer, so if you’re worried about dementia and in need of support or advice, get in touch with them.

The time has arrived for all of us to stand up to dementia and confront it head on. Don’t miss your opportunity to do so. Anyone can contact the Alzheimer’s Society National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or visit alzheimers.org.uk/DAW

Rhod Gilbert, Alzheimer’s Society supporter

GOOD news for passengers in the city with John Bibby elected representative of the new bus forum, with its 60 members fighting for transport in the city. At least there is a group we can look to in the future to speak up for passengers.

Keith Chapman, Custance Walk, York